Gisèle Pelicot’s ex-husband Dominique and 50 others found guilty in mass rape trial
Gisele Pelicot arrives with her lawyer Stephane Babonneau (R) at the courthouse in Avignon on December 19, 2024, as the verdict is expected in the trial of her ex-husband, with 50 others, accused of drugging her and orchestrating multiple rapes over nearly a decade. A court in the French southern town of Avignon is trying Dominique Pelicot, a 71-year-old retiree, for repeatedly raping and enlisting dozens of strangers to rape his heavily sedated wife Gisele Pelicot in her own bed over a decade. Fifty other men, aged between 26 and 74, are also on trial for alleged involvement, in a case that has horrified France. (Photo by Clement MAHOUDEAU / AFP) (Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty Images)Pelicot mass rape verdict
Gisèle Pelicot’s ex-husband Dominique and 50 others found guilty in mass rape trial
By Rob Picheta, Christian Edwards, Antoinette Radford and Saskya Vandoorne, CNN
Updated 7:47 AM EST, Thu December 19, 2024
gisele pelicot rape case investigation5.jpg
‘We have to wait at least one hour to abuse her’: Messages shed light on Dominique Pelicot's playbook
05:11 - Source: CNN
What we're covering here
• Dominique Pelicot has been found guilty in a mass rape trial that stunned France. He was handed a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for repeatedly raping, and enlisting strangers to abuse his then-wife Gisèle Pelicot over the course of a decade.
• 50 other men were also found guilty of taking part in the abuse, but many have been handed shorter sentences than those asked for by prosecutors. Several walked free having already served prison time.
• Gisèle Pelicot waived her anonymity in an effort to help other women and force a change in society. Arriving in court on Thursday, she smiled, shook hands and waved at the hundreds of supporters gathered out the front of the courthouse in Avignon.
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12 min ago
Gisèle Pelicot says she “never regretted” going public for trial
From CNN's Niamh Kennedy, Antoinette Radford and Saskya Vandoorne
Gisèle Pelicot addresses the press as she leaves the courthouse in Avignon on December 19.
Gisèle Pelicot addresses the press as she leaves the courthouse in Avignon on December 19. Miguel Medina/AFP/Getty Images
Gisèle Pelicot has said she “never regretted” making her name public in the trial, in brief remarks outside the courtroom following the sentencing of her ex-husband and dozens of other men for her mass rape.
Pelicot took the brave and unorthodox decision to waive her anonymity at the trial’s outset.
Under French law, she could have asked for the trial to be kept behind closed doors. But Pelicot said she wanted to make the horrors of her case known to give other victims of sexual violence the courage to speak up.
I’ve never regretted that decision,” Pelicot told reporters after her rapists had been sentenced.
“I have faith now in our capacity to carve out collectively a future where women and men can live in harmony, in respect and mutual understanding,” she added.
During the trial, Pelicot said she had waived her anonymity because “it is time for society to look at this macho, patriarchal society and change the way it looks at rape.”
Outside the court, dozens of activists had gathered to show their support for Pelicot. “Merci!” they chanted after 51 men were sentenced.
Other campaigners expressed disappointment after most of the men were given shorter sentences than prosecutors had asked for, including a few who walked free after receiving suspended sentences.
Gisèle Pelicot pays tribute to those who supported her during long trial
From CNN's Saskya Vandoorne in Avignon, Niamh Kennedy and Antoinette Radford
Gisèle Pelicot has thanked “everyone who supported me throughout this lengthy trial,” speaking after the sentencing of 50 men accused of assaulting her in court today.
“I would like to express my most profound gratitude to everyone who supported me throughout this lengthy trial. Your testimonies moved me and gave me the strength to return every day during these long days of hearings,” she said.
Pelicot also thanked the victims’ associations and lawyers who worked with her, and thanked journalists who followed the case from the start, saying their daily reporting was “faithful, respectful and worthy.”
35 min ago
Gisèle Pelicot pays tribute to unrecognized victims as she speaks outside of courtroom
From CNN's Saskya Vandoorne in Avignon, Niamh Kennedy and Antoinette Radford
Gisele Pelicot addresses the press as she leaves the courthouse after hearing the verdict of the court that sentenced her ex-husband to the maximum term of 20 years jail in Avignon, France, on December 19.
Gisele Pelicot addresses the press as she leaves the courthouse after hearing the verdict of the court that sentenced her ex-husband to the maximum term of 20 years jail in Avignon, France, on December 19. Miguel Medina/AFP/Getty Images
Gisèle Pelicot, an icon in the fight against sexual violence, has told reporters outside the courtroom that it’s with a “deep emotion that I stand today in front of you.”
“This process has been extremely difficult and at this moment I think first of my three children: David, Caroline and Florian,” she said.
“I’m also thinking of all the other families affected by this drama. Finally: I think of all the unrecognized victims of stories which often unfold in the shadows. I want you to know we share the same fight,” she added.
For over a decade Gisèle Pelicot was repeatedly drugged unconscious, then raped by her then-husband Dominique Pelicot.
Forty-nine other men were found guilty of raping her in an Avignon court today, with one man found guilty of sexual assault.
1 hr 3 min ago
French lawmakers praise Gisèle Pelicot for her courage after sentencing of ex-husband
From CNN’s Catherine Nicholls
French politicians are thanking Gisèle Pelicot for her courage on Thursday, following the sentencing of her ex-husband Dominique and dozens of other men for drugging and raping her.
Yaël Braun-Pivet, president of the French National Assembly, wrote on social media that the world is “no longer the same” thanks to Gisèle.
“Through you, the voices of so many victims are being heard today, shame is changing sides, the taboo has been broken,” she said.
Aurore Bergé, who was France’s minister for equality between women and men until a reshuffle in September, said that through Gisèle Pelicot’s “dignity and courage,” she made “the change society needs” possible.
Mathilde Panot, president of the left-wing La France Insoumise parliamentary group, said that Gisèle Pelicot embodies “the end of shame for victims” and the “end of impunity for rapists.”
1 hr 35 min ago
Gisèle and Dominique Pelicot's son waves to supporters after verdict
From CNN's Christian Edwards
David Pelicot, the eldest son of Gisèle and Dominique, briefly greeted supporters outside the courtroom, after his father and dozens of others were found guilty of raping his mother.
He did not speak, but waved to the crowd as they applauded him.
During the trial, David Pelicot told the court his family had been “destroyed” by his father’s crimes.
46 min ago
"I feel disappointed and humiliated." Anger as some escape long sentences in Pelicot case
From CNN’s Saskya Vandoorne in Avignon
This court-sketch made on December 19, 2024 in Avignon shows Gisele Pelicot during the hearing.
This court-sketch made on December 19, 2024 in Avignon shows Gisele Pelicot during the hearing. Benoit Peyrucq/AFP/Getty Images
Campaigners wanted strong sentences handed down to the men found guilty of raping Gisèle Pelicot, arguing that all involved were just as culpable as her former husband Dominique.
While Dominique Pelicot received the maximum 20-year-sentence, other men were given shorter sentences than expected, including a few who walked free after receiving suspended sentences.
A women’s rights campaigner, Olympe Desanges, said “as a woman and as a feminist, I feel disappointed and humiliated by these verdicts.”
Nedeljka Macan, from Mazan, the small town where the crimes took place, told CNN on the phone she was “shocked because the sentences are much shorter than what we had expected. All those men who are walking free today, it’s an insult!”
But a source close to the case said judges deliberately wanted to differentiate the sentences to differentiate between the seriousness of the crimes. They also hope that by handing down varying sentences, it will limit the number of appeals lodged, the source said.
This post has been updated.
2 hr 7 min ago
Dominique Pelicot and his 50 accomplices have been sentenced. Here’s what to know
From CNN staff
Dominique Pelicot has been handed a 20-year prison sentence for repeatedly raping and enlisting dozens of men to abuse his then-wife Gisèle Pelicot.
All 51 men on trial were found guilty of the charges against them, bringing to an end the mass rape case that has shocked France and much of the world.
Gisèle Pelicot, who waived her anonymity to help other victims of sexual violence, has been cheered by her supporters outside the courtroom in Avignon, France. But some are shocked that the dozens of convicted rapists have not received longer sentences.
Here’s the latest developments.
Dominique Pelicot: Gisèle’s ex-husband, the first to be sentenced, was handed the maximum term of 20 years in prison. He was found guilty not only of abusing his then-wife, but of making and distributing images of a sexual nature of his daughter, Caroline, and of two other women, the wives of his sons. Dominique was bent over and crying in court. He will have 10 days to appeal the decision; his lawyer does not yet know if they will do so.
His accomplices: Gisèle Pelicot was drugged by her then-husband and, while unconscious, raped over 200 times by dozens of men. The abuse lasted more than a decade. CNN has reported how Dominique used online chatrooms to enlist strangers to take part in the mass rape. All 51 men on trial were found guilty: 50 of rape, and one of sexual assault.
Jean-Pierre Marechal: One man, 63-year-old Jean-Pierre Marechal, was found guilty of raping and drugging his own wife, Cilia M. During the trial, Marechal said he had copied Dominique Pelicot’s playbook. Marechal was sentenced to 12 years in prison – significantly shorter than the 17-year sentence asked for by prosecutors.
Shorter sentences: Marechal’s sentence was the first of many that were less severe than those prosecutors had sought. At least five of the men found guilty of aggravated rape will walk free from court today, as some have already served prison time and others received suspended sentences. Inside the court, some gasped as the short sentences were read out. In one case, Caroline Darian, Pelicot’s daughter, said: “This isn’t possible.”
Repeat offenders: Some of the convicted rapists who had visited the Pelicot house on multiple occasions received longer sentences. Romain V., who visited the Pelicot house six times, was handed a 15-year prison sentence. Charly A., who also visited six times, was given 13 years.
Gisèle’s supporters: Gisèle Pelicot was applauded by dozens of her supporters who had gathered outside the courtroom. One held a banner saying: “So the shame changes sides.” Pelicot repeated this mantra throughout her grueling trial, saying that the perpetrators of sexual violence – not the victims – are the ones who should feel shame.
1 hr 51 min ago
Women living in the French village at the center of trial “don’t feel at ease”
From CNN’s Saskya Vandoorne and Kathy Rose O’Brien
A view of Mazan, France.
A view of Mazan, France. CNN
Life has utterly changed for women living in Mazan, the town in the southeast of France where Dominique Pelicot organized the mass rape of his wife over 10 years.
The 49 other men convicted of abusing Gisèle Pelicot all lived within a 30-mile radius of the house she shared with her then-husband.
CNN visited Mazan and spoke to local women before the trial concluded.
Annette Dumont said that “it could very well happen again tomorrow in another place.”
“I don’t feel at ease here in the streets,” another resident, Nedeljka Macan, who has lived in the town for more than a decade, told CNN.
Describing the area as “quiet and nice,” Macan said that now residents “don’t know if somebody who is in the next shop is one of these men. It changed everything.”
Responding to the verdict on Thursday, Macan told CNN she has been “glued” to her television.
“I am shocked because the sentences are much shorter than what we had expected. All those men who are walking free today, it’s an insult! We thought that as it was such a high-profile case, justice would be served but it hasn’t been. We will protest again tomorrow in front of the courthouse.”
Nedeljka Macan, Mazan resident
1 hr 48 min ago
Dominique Pelicot's lawyer says yet to decide on an appeal
From CNN's Antoinette Radford and Niamh Kennedy
Beatrice Zavarro, the lawyer of Dominique Pelicot, talks to journalists after the verdict at the courthouse in Avignon, France, on December 19.
Beatrice Zavarro, the lawyer of Dominique Pelicot, talks to journalists after the verdict at the courthouse in Avignon, France, on December 19. Manon Cruz/Reuters
The lawyer for Dominique Pelicot, Beatrice Zavarro has told reporters outside court that his legal team is considering lodging an appeal, but has not yet made a decision.
“We don’t have the authority to critique a judicial decision,” only to appeal it, she said.
“At the moment as I am talking to you no decision has been taken,” she said.
Zavarro continued, pointing out that she felt her client had been made the scapegoat of the trial.
“At the start of this trial I said Mr Pelicot wasn’t the conductor of this operation and the other men weren’t the musicians. I think in in announcing this verdict the court has condemned the head of this orchestra, differentiating him and the different musicians who make up this orchestra,” she said.
2 hr 43 min ago
Across France, the men convicted of rape were known as “Mr. EveryMan”
From CNN’s Antoinette Radford, Niamh Kennedy and Saskya Vandoorne
One of the defendants arrives at the courthouse on December 19.
One of the defendants arrives at the courthouse on December 19. Sylvain Thomas/AFP/Getty Images
The men today found guilty of raping of Gisèle Pelicot were named colloquially across France as “Monsieur-Tout-Le-Monde,” which translates to “Mr. EveryMan.”
The name references the fact that the men were from a cross section of society. The youngest defendant is 27, while the oldest is 74.
Their professions range from a nurse, journalist, someone in the military, hotel manager, teacher and a prison guard.
2 hr 48 min ago
Gisèle Pelicot leaves courtroom quietly
From CNN's Saskya Vandoorne
Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot attends the verdict in the trial for Dominique Pelicot and 50 co-accused, at the courthouse in Avignon, France, on December 19.
Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot attends the verdict in the trial for Dominique Pelicot and 50 co-accused, at the courthouse in Avignon, France, on December 19. Manon Cruz/Reuters
Gisèle Pelicot has quietly made her way out of the courtroom after all 51 defendants were found guilty of abusing her.
During the sentencing, she mostly nodded her head. As she left, she showed little expression.
2 hr 59 min ago
Convicted rapists who visited Pelicot house several times receive longer sentences
From CNN’s Saskya Vandoorne
Although many of the men have received shorter sentences than prosecutors had asked for, some of the most egregious offenders have received sentences lasting more than a decade.
Romain V., who visited the Pelicot house six times, has been handed a 15-year prison sentence.
Charly A., who also visited six times, has been given 13 years.
There has been shock at the sentencing. One woman collapsed on the floor, yelling “the bastard only got 20 years!” in reference to Dominique Pelicot.
1 hr 15 min ago
At least 5 men sentenced today will not serve further prison time
From CNN's Saskya Vandoorne in Avignon, France
At least five of the men charged with the aggravated rape of Gisèle Pelicot will walk free from court this evening, as some of them have already served prison time and others were handed suspended sentences.
All 50 men were found guilty of charges of rape, and one charge of sexual assault in court today.
“Several of the convicted men will not be taking to prison immediately because of their health. A few more days of freedom while we find a suitable prison,” Presiding Judge Roger Arata said as the sentences were being handed down.
3 hr 7 min ago
Convicted rapists in Pelicot case receive shorter sentences than prosecutors sought
From CNN's Saskya Vandoorne in Avignon, France
One of the defendant arrives at the courthouse in Avignon on December 19.
One of the defendant arrives at the courthouse in Avignon on December 19. Miguel Medina/AFP/Getty Images
All 51 defendants have been found guilty of the charges against them, but many have been handed sentences shorter than those asked for by prosecutors.
Jacques C. was handed a 5-year suspended prison sentence, meaning he will walk out of court today. Some gasped inside the courtroom as his sentence was read out.
Cyrille D., Lionel R. and Boris M. were handed 8-year prison sentences, although the prosecutor had asked for 12-year sentences.
Christian L. was handed 9-year sentence. Caroline Darian – Gisèle and Dominique Pelicot’s daughter, sitting in the courtroom, reacted by saying “this isn’t possible.”
One of the accused, Redouan A., was found guilty of aggravated rape, but because he has been diagnosed as schizophrenic by an expert, the presiding judge has granted him a reduced sentence because his “judgment was impaired.”
Feminist campaigner Sirine Sehl told CNN affiliate BFMTV that campaigners were disappointed by the “weak” sentences requested by prosecutors. She said she hopes these sentences would be “adapted.”
1 hr 22 min ago
Dominique Pelicot is bent over and crying as the sentences are read out
From CNN's Saskya Vandoorne, in the Avignon courthouse and Catherine Nicholls
This court-sketch made on December 19, 2024 in Avignon shows Dominique Pelicot during the hearing.
This court-sketch made on December 19, 2024 in Avignon shows Dominique Pelicot during the hearing. Benoit Peyrucq/AFP/Getty Images
As the verdicts are read out, Dominique Pelicot is bent over and crying in court.
As well as being found guilty of all charges against his former wife, Dominique Pelicot was also found guilty on Thursday of charges against his daughter and daughters-in-law.
Pelicot was found guilty of making and distributing images of a sexual nature of his daughter Caroline, as well as two other women, the wives of his sons.
Caroline and her brother David are sat apart from Gisèle in the court room. Earlier this morning, Caroline was seen crying as her father entered the room.
As the verdicts were read out, Gisèle Pelicot leaned forward to see the faces of the men.
2 hr 32 min ago
Marechal, who copied Pelicot’s playbook to abuse his own wife, receives 12 year sentence
From CNN's Saskya Vandoorne in Avignon, France
Jean-Pierre Marechal has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of raping and drugging his wife.
Marechal, 63, said he had used Dominique Pelicot’s methods against Giséle Pelicot to abuse his own wife, Cilia M.
His sentence is significantly shorter than the 17-year sentence asked for by prosecutors.
3 hr 22 min ago
BREAKING: Dominique Pelicot sentenced to 20 years in prison as all 51 defendants found guilty
From CNN's Saskya Vandoorne in Avignon, France
People gather in support of Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot in front of the courthouse in Avignon, France, on December 19. The slogan reads " Thank you for your courage Gisele Pelicot".
People gather in support of Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot in front of the courthouse in Avignon, France, on December 19. The slogan reads " Thank you for your courage Gisele Pelicot". Alexandre Dimou/Reuters
Dominique Pelicot has been handed the maximum sentence for his charges, 20 years in prison.
All 51 men have been found guilty of the charges against them, including some who pleaded not guilty.
Several family members of the accused who are in court for the verdicts were crying as the verdicts were handed down.
One of the men charged was acquitted of rape but found guilty of sexual assault.
3 hr 27 min ago
At least 20 defendants found guilty so far in Pelicot mass rape case
From CNN's Niamh Kennedy and Saskya Vandoorne
One of the defendant arrives at the courthouse in Avignon on December 19.
One of the defendant arrives at the courthouse in Avignon on December 19. Miguel Medina/AFP/Getty Images
At least 20 defendants have been found guilty so far of raping Gisèle Pelicot as the judge continues to read out the verdicts.
Unlike her former husband Dominique Pelicot, some of the men pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, saying they believed the sex was consensual.
Also convicted was Jean-Pierre Marechal, who was found guilty of the aggravated rape and chemical submission of his wife, Cilia M.
Pelicot gave Marechal, 63, instructions on how to drug his wife, according to court documents, mirroring the elaborate playbook he devised to abuse his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, over years.
3 hr 43 min ago
Dominique Pelicot found guilty of all charges against former wife Gisèle
From CNN's Saskya Vandoorne in Avignon and Antoinette Radford
This courtroom sketch shows Dominique Pelicot at the courthouse in Avignon, France, on September 11.
This courtroom sketch shows Dominique Pelicot at the courthouse in Avignon, France, on September 11. ZZIIGG/Reuters
Dominique Pelicot has been found guilty by a court of five judges of drugging and the mass rape of his then-wife Gisèle Pelicot.
We’re awaiting detail on his sentencing and will bring you it as we get it.
Pelicot had already pleaded guilty to the charges during the trial.
Presiding Judge Roger Arata is reading through a list of the accused, with at least 20 of the men involved found guilty so far.
4 hr 13 min ago
Dominique Pelicot now in court as verdict nears in mass rape trial
From CNN's Saskya Vandoorne in Avignon and Antoinette Radford
Dominique Pelicot is now in the court room where he is expected to be sentenced today for allegedly repeatedly raping, and enlisting strangers to abuse, his heavily sedated then-wife, Gisèle Pelicot, over the course of a decade. He has pleaded guilty.
Pelicot is wearing a grey jacket and his daughter, Caroline, has started crying. She’s sitting next to her brother David.
Family members of the accused are in court and another woman is crying.
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